Pastor's Corner

23Mar

Mid-Week Challenge

Mid-Week Challenge

In the newsletter last week I wrote about the efforts of transgendered activist groups to pressure the NCAA to break ties with colleges that take efforts to protect student athletes by not allowing transgendered and homosexual individuals to have access to the locker rooms and changing facilities of those of the opposite sex. To some this seems to be a distant subject that has little effect on their personal rights or interests. They are no longer in college, never played college sports or do not have children in college. The argument and pressure does not stop at the collegiate level, in fact, it has come home. If you live in Tennessee you know that there is a bill proposed (SB2387/HB2414) that will require students in public schools to use restrooms and locker rooms that are assigned to the same sex as that shown on their birth certificate. Why would our public schools need a law like this? Because transgendered groups from outside our state are pushing for the universal use in public schools of bathrooms and changing areas based on personal identification, not biology. In addition to the potential individual harm of allowing open use, the bill will protect schools and school districts from potential tort liability from an invasion of privacy claim by students subjected to being seen in an unclothed or partially unclothed state by a member of the opposite sex in an intimate environment (bathroom, locker room, changing area, etc.) that was ordered by the school district.

If you have school aged children I hope this issue gets your attention. What has happened to our society when we have to pass laws to protect common sense? What we used to take for granted is now something we have to have our eyes opened and our guard up. You can no longer assume law makers have your best interest in mind. At times it appears as if they respond to the loudest voice, as to keep the peace. What would seem to be an easy vote in our state is actually up against some loud opposition. Ultimately it will rest in the hands of Governor Bill Haslam. Christians, moms and dads of school aged children, and people of common sense need to pray for our leaders on this issue, especially our governor. Drop him an email, send him a message or give him a call: